Quick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe
Introduction
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining savory pork meatballs with a tangy cranberry sauce, this recipe is both easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup (such as Heinz)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, ketchup, black pepper, onion, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, ground pork, and breadcrumbs until fully combined. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into about 32 medium-sized meatballs. Using a small ice cream scoop can help form uniform meatballs.
- Step 3: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160℉, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Step 4: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce by combining brown sugar, cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and ketchup in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil. Reduce the heat and gently add the baked meatballs to the sauce. Simmer until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
- Step 5: Garnish the finished meatballs with extra chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for lighter, fluffier meatballs. Regular breadcrumbs can also be used but may result in a denser texture.
- For a tangier sauce, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or substitute lemon juice with lime juice.
- If you prefer beef or turkey, they can be used instead of pork for the meatballs.
- Make the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat with the meatballs before serving to deepen the flavors.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs with or without sauce. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute regular or Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to adapt the recipe. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free as well.
PrintQuick Cranberry Meatballs (Christmas Recipe) Recipe
Quick Cranberry Meatballs are a festive and flavorful Christmas recipe featuring tender pork meatballs baked to perfection and coated in a tangy, sweet cranberry sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines a blend of savory spices, fresh parsley, and Worcestershire sauce in the meatballs with a luscious sauce made from cranberry sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and ketchup. Perfect as a holiday appetizer or party snack, these meatballs are sure to delight guests with their juicy texture and vibrant taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 medium meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion (grated or finely diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for a lighter texture)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup tomato ketchup (Heinz recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix and Form Meatballs: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine all the meatball ingredients: eggs, tomato ketchup, black pepper, grated onion, chopped parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, ground pork, and breadcrumbs. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, about 32 in total. Using a small ice cream scoop can help form evenly sized meatballs.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160℉, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the brown sugar, cranberry sauce, lemon juice, and tomato ketchup in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat, then gently add the baked meatballs into the sauce. Stir carefully and cook until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors blend well.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished meatballs for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm to enjoy them at their best.
Notes
- Using Panko breadcrumbs helps achieve a lighter texture in the meatballs.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160℉ for safe consumption.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the sauce flavor more than bottled lemon juice.
- Wet your hands before shaping meatballs to prevent sticking and ensure even sizes.
- These meatballs can be prepared ahead and reheated gently in the sauce before serving.
Keywords: cranberry meatballs, holiday appetizer, Christmas recipe, baked meatballs, cranberry sauce meatballs, party food
